VZCZCXYZ0006
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHC #4870 1192135
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 282130Z APR 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO AMEMBASSY BANGKOK 2286
UNCLAS STATE 044870
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
BANGKOK FOR AMBASSADOR ERIC G. JOHN FROM ACTING PM A/S AMB STEPHEN
MULL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPDC ETTC KOMC TH
SUBJECT: RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE ON BLUE
LANTERN END-USE CHECKS: THOMAS HINES
REF: 07 STATE 43687
1. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the
outstanding performance of political-military officer Thomas
Hines and the foreign service nationals of Embassy Bangkok's
political section for their timely and thorough investigation
of Blue Lantern cases. As you know, the Blue Lantern program
is the Department's primary instrument for monitoring the
end-use of exported defense articles, technology, and
services. This program is indispensable to PM's Directorate
of Defense Trade Controls in making informed licensing
decisions, discovering illicit supply networks, and deterring
diversions of U.S. military articles and technology.
2. I am pleased to note that Mr. Hines and his FSN colleagues
have continued Embassy Bangkok's long and proud tradition of
extraordinary efforts and results (reftel). Since December
2007, Mr. Hines and his FSN colleagues have conducted ten
Blue Lantern checks, providing detailed responses and closing
each in a timely manner. Embassy Bangkok's Blue Lantern team
not only demonstrated diligence, efficiency, and
professionalism, they also offered hard-won and valuable
insights into firearms importation laws and practices as well
as domestic security and firearms issues. Mr. Hines and his
FSN colleagues have tackled several complex cases, conducting
extensive research and connecting many disparate dots in
order to paint a full picture for PM/DDTC. This information
in turn allowed PM/DDTC to make more informed licensing and
policy decisions and to better fulfill Congressional
reporting requirements.
3. The PM Bureau and the Department are grateful for the
efforts of Mr. Hines and his FSN colleagues in Embassy
Bangkok's political section, which have demonstrably
contributed to the security and integrity of U.S. defense
trade.
RICE